About

ABOUT US

Pearcedale Rural Fire Brigade was established in 1940, celebrating over 75 years service to the community. “We Are CFA” highlights what we do, our volunteer culture, our history and our work with the community to help protect the lives and property of over 3.3 million Victorians.

Over the last 75 years, the volunteers have been the heart and soul of the Pearcedale Fire Brigade. It has been due to their dedication and ability to give freely of their time that the brigade has been able to support not just our own community but be able to respond wherever needed, no matter what time of day or night.

Past and present members have been involved with some significant fires including Ash Wednesday, Lorne, Orbost, NSW and Black Saturday and many other significant fires and incidents too numerous to mention. Of note – Pearcedale Tanker was the 1st Victorian CFA Tanker to cross the border into Queensland in early 2000, much to Tim’s delight… because he actually drove it there!

"The Brigade has always had a healthy membership. Of special significance on 5th October 1981, we enrolled the first female fire fighters and many have followed since. We also have a Junior Brigade and a very active Support Group who assist with fundraising and social events."

History

The site of the first Pearcedale Fire Station was 26 Baxter – Tooradin Road, on land donated by the Smithenbeck Family in 1949, and to this day, is still the current location of the fire station.

Works began in 1954 to build the first station and the brigade moved in in 1957. In 1968 the original fire station was pulled down and a new one opened in November, 1969. In approximately 1985 that station was knocked down again and the current station was built. In 2003 /2004 the brigade expanded this station with extensive assistance from the community to add an extension on the east side of the existing building.

The brigade’s first fire truck was a Chev Blitz 4×4 purchased in 1955. Other vehicles over the years include a 1300 International, Hino 3000L 4 x 4 and currently an Isuzu 3000L 4×4. Modern technology has certainly made an impact on the current firefighting methods.